Naruto Uzumaki: The Fifth master of Fairy Tail

by johnsingh4642

After getting transported to a strange magical world by a 'storm', Naruto Uzumaki has to survive and try to find a way back to his world. While trying to juggle his multiple responsibilities as a mage, Wizard saint, and as guild master of a struggling guild. Will he manage to go back to his world? Read on to find out. Strong/smart(Kinda) Naruto. First fic.

17. Carnage

"Wendy, slow down!" Carla's voice rang through the quiet morning streets of Magnolia, her small wings flapping furiously as she struggled to keep up with her partner. The little Exceed's pink purse swung wildly from her neck, the urgency in her tone more concerned than annoyed. Ahead, Wendy was dashing forward, her blue hair streaming behind her like a comet, a large, stuffed bag slung over her back. A small red purse dangled from her neck, ignored in her rush.

"I can't, Carla! Master is probably waiting for me!" The sky dragon slayer breathless reply carried. Each step, each hurried breath, was fueled by the excitement and anxiousness of going on her first S-class mission since returning to the guild.

Carla, flapping harder to close the distance, huffed. "You won't be much help if you trip and hurt yourself before we even get there!" Her words were more of a scolding, though the worry in her voice betrayed her irritation. But her friend barely registered it, her focus locked onto the looming guild hall ahead.

Just as Carla prepared to voice her concern again, Wendy's foot caught on a jagged cobblestone hidden beneath the bustling crowd. "Wendy!" Carla shrieked, her wings beating furiously as she darted forward. Wendy's arms flailed, and time seemed to slow as she braced for the inevitable tumble.

But it never came.

A firm hand grasped the back of her oversized bag, steadying her before she could hit the ground.

"Whoa there, why the rush?" The familiar voice carried a playful tone, laced with amusement.

Startled, Wendy craned her neck upward, her heart still racing. Standing behind her, with a warm grin on his face and one hand casually in his pocket, was none other than Naruto Uzumaki, her guild master. He had seemingly appeared out of thin air, his free hand easily holding the back of her bag, his expression teasing but kind.

Carla, now hovering beside Wendy, blinked in shock before letting out a relieved sigh. "Master Naruto…" she muttered, her tone a mix of grudging respect and gratitude.

Wendy turned fully toward Naruto, her cheeks burning a bright pink. "M-Master!" she stammered, bowing her head slightly in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you—thank you!"

The blonde chuckled, letting go of the bag. "No problem, Wendy. But starting your first S-class mission with a face-plant might not give the best impression, ya know?"

The girl blush deepened as she stared down at her feet. "I didn't want to be late…" she mumbled, her fingers anxiously gripping the straps of her bag.

Naruto crouched down slightly, meeting her gaze with a soft, reassuring smile. "Hey, don't worry, you're not late. We've still got plenty of time left.

Before Wendy could respond, Carla landed beside her, still looking a bit flustered from the frantic chase. She puffed out her chest, her tiny wings fluttering indignantly. "I've been telling her that for the past ten minutes! There was absolutely no need for such a reckless dash!" she scolded, though the sharpness in her voice had softened.

The sky dragon slayer shifted awkwardly under her partner scrutiny, her earlier excitement dulled by embarrassment. "I just didn't want to keep you waiting…"

Naruto laughed softly, ruffling Wendy's hair, which caused her to blush even deeper. "Don't worry, you didn't made me wait. Instead, You are right on time."

The exceed crossed her arms, her nose tilted slightly upward. "Still, she needs to be more mindful. Charging off like that was completely unnecessary."

The guild master smiled at Carla's ever-protective nature, then glanced down at the small pink purse dangling from her neck. "So, Carla… planning on joining us, huh?" His grin widened teasingly.

Carla bristled at the comment, her tail flicking with irritation. "Of course I'm coming! I'm not letting Wendy go on a dangerous mission alone. Is there a problem with that?"

Naruto held his hands up in mock surrender, his grin still in place. "No problem at all. Just making sure the team's all set."

The exceed gave a satisfied nod, while Wendy exhaled softly, grateful that the tension had finally begun to ease. That relief, however, was short-lived as Naruto's gaze fell on the oversized bag slung over her back. His brow furrowed slightly.

"Uh… Wendy, what's with the huge bag? I thought I told you to pack light—just the essentials for a week?" he asked, pointing at the bulging backpack.

Wendy's face went crimson once more, and she fidgeted with the strap nervously. "I-I know!" she stammered, her voice small. "But I've never been on a week-long mission before, so I wasn't sure what to bring…"

Naruto stared at the massive bag for a long moment, then let out a soft chuckle and hold out his hand. "Here, let me take that bag for a second."

Wendy blinked in confusion, clutching the straps tighter. "Uh… okay, Master." She hesitantly slipped the bag off her shoulders, though she couldn't quite figure out why Naruto would need it.

Naruto casually slung the hefty bag over his shoulder as if it weighed nothing and raised the left sleeve of his shirt. His right bandaged hand moved to touch a small, intricate tattoo etched into his forearm. With a subtle surge of chakra, a scroll suddenly materialized in his hand.

Both Wendy and Carla gasped softly, their eyes wide with recognition. "That's just like… during the bell test!" Wendy exclaimed, her voice full of amazement as she recalled seeing the blonde summon a kunai just like that.

Naruto grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You caught that, huh?" He winked at the awed girl as he unfurled the scroll, then carefully placed it on the cobblestone ground beneath them.

"Master, Is that requip magic, like Erza's?" Carla asked, curiosity filling her voice as she and Wendy leaned forward to get a better look.

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head slightly at both of their curiosity. "Sort of," he replied with a playful tone. "It's a little different from Erza's magic, though." With that, he placed the large, blue bag on top of the scroll, his hand moving deftly across the parchment as he channeled a small burst of chakra into it.

In an instant, the bag vanished in a puff of white smoke, leaving nothing but the scroll behind.

Wendy and Carla's jaws dropped in unison, eyes wide with disbelief.

"W-What…?" Wendy stammered, her gaze darting between the empty space where her bag had been and Naruto's calm expression.

Carla hovered closer, her tail flicking in surprise. "It's… gone?"

Naruto grinned at their astonished reactions. "Not gone, just sealed away for now," he said, rolling up the scroll and tucking it back into his sleeve. "It'll be waiting for you whenever you need it. No need to carry all that weight around."

The little girl stared at him, her amazement slowly giving way to relief. "That's incredible, Master! Thank you!"

Naruto shrugged, looking somewhat sheepish at her gratitude. "No problem, Wendy. It's just something I picked up a while back." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Now, you're packed light, just like I asked."

Carla, still stunned, eventually managed to shake herself out of her surprise. "That… is both impressive and convenient, I'll admit. But you could've told her before she packed everything," she added with a slight huff, though her tone was much more teasing than critical.

Naruto laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Fair point. I'll keep that in mind next time."

He looked down at Wendy, who now stood a little taller, her earlier nervousness replaced with quiet confidence. "Ready to head out?" he asked.

The girl nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master!"

Naruto smiled warmly. "Alright then, let's go.

But just as they started to move, he paused, his hand rubbing the back of his head as if he'd suddenly remembered something important.

"Actually... before we head out, we need to stop by somewhere first."

Wendy and Carla both halted, their curiosity piqued. The former tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes wide with confusion. "Where, Master?"

He flashed a playful grin, the kind that always seemed to suggest he had something up his sleeve. "We need to check on Yukino-chan and the others at the beach. I promised Mirajane I'd take a look at how their training was going before we left."

Wendy's eyes brightened with excitement. "The beach? Are Natsu and the others training there too?" She tried to keep her excitement in check but couldn't help the slight bounce in her step.

The blonde nodded. "Yeah, they're all there. Figured we could stop by, make sure they're not going overboard. You know how they are," he said, chuckling a little at her excitement.

Carla, ever the practical one, huffed, "Knowing Natsu and Gray, they've probably destroyed the beach by now. I wouldn't be surprised if it's unrecognizable."

Wendy giggled at Carla's comment, imagining the chaos that often ensued when Natsu and Gray trained together. "Well... they're not that bad, Carla. I'm sure they're behaving... probably."

Naruto, who had been walking beside them, sweat dropped at the thought. The image of a half-obliterated beach flashed through his mind, complete with craters and destroyed palm trees. "They better not have..." he muttered under his breath, already dreading the potential repair costs. The town council was just starting to warm up to Fairy Tail again, and the last thing he needed was massive bill for beach restoration.

—Line Break—

(20 minutes later, Magnolia Beach)

It was… unbelievable.

Lucy sat frozen, her wide brown eyes unblinking, her mouth slightly agape as she tried to process the utter chaos unfolding before her. Beside her, Happy mirrored her expression, his little blue paws resting on the edge of a colorful beach blanket. He wore bright yellow beach shorts, and his usually carefree demeanor had been replaced with stunned disbelief.

"I-I can't believe what I'm seeing," Lucy muttered, absently adjusting the strap of her pink bikini as her gaze remained glued to the beach-turned-battleground. What was supposed to be a fun day…uh— training session— in the sun had devolved into pure madness.

"Aye…" Happy's voice was low, matching the astonishment on his face. "They're… getting their asses handed to them."

The scene before them was beyond anything Lucy had expected—a sparring match gone horribly awry. What was supposed to be a friendly training session between their friends had turned into a one-sided beat down. Natsu, Gray, Elfman, and even Erza—Titania herself—were being thoroughly outclassed. And not by their usual opponents, but by guild members who had always been considered… well, weaker.

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu's familiar roar echoed across the beach, his fist igniting in flames as he charged forward, his usual confidence blazing as hot as the flames themselves.

At least, it was until his legs were yanked out from under him by a twisting mass of sand, causing him to faceplant spectacularly into the ground.

"Not again!!" Natsu's muffled cry of frustration came from the sand, and with a flick of Max's wrist, the fire dragon slayer was hoisted upside down by the sandy tendrils. His face rapidly turned from its usual fiery complexion to a queasy shade of green as he was spun like laundry on a clothesline.

Max, standing nearby in his dark green beach shorts, barely broke a sweat as he twirled his finger, controlling the sand with ease. "I've said it before, Natsu, and I'll say it again—seven years was a long time. We didn't just sit around twiddling our thumbs, you know."

Natsu's limbs flailed helplessly, and Lucy winced, rubbing her temples. "Should… should we help him?" she asked, half-concerned but also half-hoping someone else would intervene first.

"Nah," Happy waved his paw dismissively. "He's probably fine. Maybe."

Lucy shot the Exceed a look. Probably wasn't exactly reassuring.

A few feet away, their guild resident Ice Mage wasn't doing much better. His normally composed, shirtless figure was drenched in sweat as he struggled to land even a single hit on Jet, who was zooming around the ice mage at dizzying speeds.

"Damn it, hold still!" Gray snarled, his breath coming in heavy pants as he threw an ice shard in Jet's direction, only to miss spectacularly as the speedster dodged effortlessly.

Jet skidded to a stop just long enough to grin at his frustrated opponent, his orange shorts and ridiculous goggles making him look more like an overenthusiastic tourist than a combatant. "Come on, Gray! I'm not gonna stand still just to make it easier for you! What kind of training would that be?"

Gray's only response was a low growl as Jet resumed his speedy assault, darting in and out like a mosquito on caffeine. Lucy couldn't help but feel a little bad for Gray, but his attempts to grab Jet out of the air reminded her of someone trying to catch a fly with chopsticks. Impossible.

Meanwhile, Elfman—poor, determined Elfman—had been roaring about "fighting like a man" for the past ten minutes, only to be continually tripped up by Droy's plant magic. His bulging Beast Arm was mighty, sure, but what use was all that strength if he couldn't even get close to his target? Vines kept sprouting from the sand, tangling around his feet and sending him sprawling into the sand with a loud "thud."

"Fight me face-to-face, you coward!" Elfman roared, picking himself up for the umpteenth time, his body now caked in sand and frustration.

Droy, standing a few feet away with a smug grin, crossed his arms and shook his head. "Not every fight's a brawl, Elfman. Sometimes you have to think a little." His words were punctuated by a new set of vines that wrapped around Elfman's ankles and sent him crashing face-first into the sand once again.

But perhaps the most shocking sight for Lucy and Happy was Erza. The mighty, fearsome Titania was… being matched. No, she was struggling.

Erza, wearing a crimson bikini that matched her fiery hair, was locked in a fierce duel with Yukino, the latter clad in a sleek white bikini. The clash of their wooden weapons was fast and brutal, the crack of wood against wood ringing across the beach.

The Titania grunted as she blocked a fierce overhead strike from Yukino's bo-staff, her wooden sword straining under the pressure. She swiftly twisted, retaliating with a quick slash aimed at her opponent's midsection. But Yukino, with the grace of a dancer, stepped back just in time, her staff spinning in her hands with fluid precision.

"Impressive," Erza admitted, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Sweat dripped from her brow, but her eyes remained sharp, determined. She surged forward once more, aiming a downward strike.

Yukino moved with calm confidence, spinning her staff to deflect the blow, the impact sending vibrations up Erza's arm. "No wonder you're a fellow S-Class mage, Yukino," Erza said, her voice carrying both admiration and the strain of battle. She blocked a rapid counterstrike, eyes gleaming. "I didn't know you were this skilled with a bo-staff."

Yukino offered a modest smile, though her eyes remained focused. "Master insisted that we should stop relying solely on our magic," she explained, sidestepping Erza's next swing and smoothly twirling her staff to catch the redhead's weapon mid-strike. "So, he trained us to strengthen our other combat skills… and it seems to be paying off." With a swift motion, she struck Erza lightly on the shoulder, causing the redhead to wince.

Erza smirked despite the sting, impressed by the 'younger' mage's composure. "It's refreshing to see another capable female S-Class mage in the guild," she said, her tone holding a hint of pride as she adjusted her stance, deciding to get bit more serious. "It keeps things interesting."

Meanwhile, Lucy stood frozen on the sidelines, wide-eyed. "Isn't she a celestial mage?" she muttered, still struggling to reconcile the calm, soft-spoken Yukino she knew with the fierce warrior now matching Erza blow for blow, without even using any of her spirits.

Happy, ever the instigator, grinned mischievously. "Lucy," he purred, "I think you need to start training more. Yukino's kind of making you look… well, weak." He stretched lazily, his wings fluttering as he settled back on their blanket.

The blonde's s face flushed a deep crimson, her expression a mix of frustration and embarrassment. "I know that, you stupid cat!" she hissed, her fists clenching. "But she's S-Class! She's supposed to be stronger than me!"

Happy raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "So… jealous much?"

Lucy's temper flared. "I am not jealous!" she snapped, her voice a little too loud as she glared down at the cat.

"Sure," The mischievous Exceed drawled, leaning back with a smug look. "Keep telling yourself that."

The girl let out an exasperated sigh, her gaze drifting back to the duel. She bit her lip as Yukino deflected yet another of Erza's powerful strikes, her movements smooth and precise. Despite herself, Lucy felt a small pang of envy. "Okay… maybe a little jealous," she admitted quietly.

Happy's snickering was her only answer as they returned their focus to the ongoing duel. Erza's relentless strikes met with Yukino's graceful defense, both mages fully engrossed in their spar.

The blonde groaned, flopping back onto the blanket. "I really need to step up my game…" she muttered, half to herself.

"Yup," Happy chimed, ever so helpfully. "Or else you'll never catch up."

"You're not helping!" Lucy growled, throwing a glare at the smug feline.

Meanwhile, back in the training area…

Natsu growled out in frustration, clutching his stomach as he continued to be waved around like a flag on a windy day by Max's swirling sand. His fiery temper had been reduced to a dizzying nausea, and with every spin, his resolve to get free only intensified.

"Argh… I'm gonna get you back for this, Max!" The Fire Dragon slayer roared, his voice sounding more like a squeaky toy than the fearsome Dragon Slayer he usually was.

With sheer determination, Natsu tried to muster the strength to enter his Lightning Fire Dragon Slayer Mode, gritting his teeth as sparks of electricity crackled along his flaming fists. His fiery aura flared, igniting the air around him in a dazzling display of power.

But Max, noticing Natsu's sudden burst of energy and quickly adapted. His eyes widened for a moment, but a knowing smirk spread across his face. "Not this time, Natsu!" he said, stretching out his hand with a flourish. With a flick of his wrist, the sandy tendrils tightened their grip and spun the Dragon Slayer even faster.

Natsu's eyes bulged as his world became a blur of blue sky, sand, and his rapidly spinning body. "Wait! No! Not like this—!"

Before he could even finish his sentence, Max's sand flung him hard into the ocean with a force that sent a spray of water shooting up into the air. Natsu's surprised yelp echoed across the beach as he rocketed into the sea, arms flailing wildly. He hit the water with a spectacular splash, disappearing beneath the waves.

From their spot on the beach, Lucy and Happy winced in unison.

"That looked like it hurt," Lucy murmured, watching as the water settled, waiting for Natsu to resurface.

"Aye," Happy added with a grin, his little tail flicking in amusement. "I'd give it a 9 out of 10 for style, though. Max is getting pretty good at this."

A second later, Natsu's head popped out of the water, his pink hair matted to his forehead and his eyes spinning in cartoonish dizziness. "I'm… gonna… hurl…" he groaned, his limbs flopping uselessly as the waves gently pushed him back toward the shore.

Lucy, shaking her head at the pitiful sight of her friend dripping wet and defeated, turned her gaze back to the chaos unfolding further down the beach. Gray, still unsuccessfully trying to tag Jet, had now resorted to launching a series of ice traps across the sand, but Jet was simply too fast. At this point, the speedster was practically jogging circles around the exhausted ice mage.

"How's that training going, Gray?" Jet called out cheekily, pausing long enough to flash a toothy grin before darting away at the speed of sound.

Gray, his face flushed with anger, looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel. "I swear, if I could just hit you once—"

Jet skidded to a stop long enough to tap his chin. "I don't know, Gray… If you did hit me, it would probably be out of pity at this point."

"Why, you—!" Gray growled, finally giving up on trying to hit Jet and just collapsing onto the sand, breathing heavily. "I hate this."

As if on cue, Elfman was once again sprawled face-first in the sand, vines wrapped tightly around his limbs, courtesy of Droy, who had his arms crossed and was watching Elfman's struggle with a calm smirk.

"Fight me like a man!" Elfman bellowed, though the effect was somewhat lost when a large vine gave him another tug, causing him to flop face-first into the sand again.

Droy sighed theatrically. "You've got strength, Elfman, but what's strength without strategy?"

Elfman growled into the sand, his muffled voice coming out like a grumpy bear's. "I'll show you strategy when I break out of this!" He began flexing his arms, muscles bulging as he attempted to snap the vines, only to immediately get tangled again.

Meanwhile, Lucy could hardly believe her eyes as Erza, the legendary Titania, still found herself evenly matched by Yukino. Wooden staff clashed against wooden sword, the two warriors moving so fast that their weapons blurred. With every strike and parry, Yukino's calm, measured movements kept Erza on her toes. It was a battle of pure skill, devoid of magic, and the two women seemed to be enjoying every second of it.

But Lucy couldn't help feeling a little uneasy as she watched Yukino. A celestial mage, she thought for the hundredth time, who's also this good at hand-to-hand combat and in weapons?

"Erza's really going all out," she murmured aloud, half to herself, half to Happy.

The Exceed nodded, watching intently. "Aye, but it looks like Yukino might actually have the upper hand." He glanced up at Lucy, his grin mischievous once again. "See? Maybe you should ask Yukino to give you some pointers."

The blonde girl groaned, flopping back onto the blanket. "Don't remind me."

As the battle raged on, a soaked and stumbling Natsu finally dragged himself back to the beach, muttering under his breath, "Max… you're dead meat…"

However, before the frustrated pink-haired could act on his revenge, a familiar and mischievous voice echoed across the beach.

"Well, it seems you guys are having quite a bit of fun, eh?"

The sparring session halted momentarily, all heads turning toward the sound. Lucy and Happy, still in shock from Natsu's comical dive into the ocean, exchanged glances before their eyes landed on the source of the voice.

"Master!" Yukino exclaimed, her surprise transforming into delight. There, strolling toward them with an easy grin, was Naruto, flanked by Wendy and Carla. The trio's presence brightened the atmosphere, the blonde holding several bags that rustled with the promise of snacks, while Wendy looked at the scene with a mix of excitement and surprise. Carla trotted beside her, eyes narrowed as she kept a watchful gaze on the chaotic scene.

Naruto scanned the beach, relief washing over him as he noted that the beach had not been turned into a battlefield, as he had initially feared. "When I first heard you guys were going to the beach to train, I expected all of you to simply lounge around instead of actually training," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Hearing this, Team Natsu shared awkward chuckles, the tension of their previous battles dissolving momentarily. Max and the others exchanged sly glances, a collective understanding passing between them before the sand mage chimed in, "Well, we might have stopped them from doing just that."

"Hey!" Natsu growled, a hint of indignation creeping into his voice. He straightened up, attempting to regain his composure, but his efforts were undermined by the water still dripping from his hair. "We were just… uh, testing the waters! Right, guys?"

However, no one responded; most of his teammates were exhausted from the brief spar, sprawled out on the sand with varying degrees of fatigue.

Naruto's gaze shifted from Max to the rest of Team Natsu, his expression tightening slightly as he took in their beach attire. "No wonder you guys are in your bikinis and beach shorts," he said, raising an eyebrow at the mismatched outfits. "Didn't you think to pack some training gear?"

Lucy blushed, caught off guard by Naruto's scrutiny, and she brushed sand off her shoulder, suddenly aware of how she looked. "We thought we'd mix a bit of fun with the training!" she defended, her voice slightly sheepish.

"Uh, yeah! Totally! Fun with training!" Natsu's voice was slightly high-pitched, and he tried to muster a thumbs-up, but it only resulted in a half-hearted wave instead.

Naruto chuckled at their antics, shaking his head as he stepped closer, arms crossed casually. "Well, it looks like you've all been keeping busy," he said, his gaze landing on Gray, who lay sprawled on the sand, panting heavily, and Elfman, tangled in vines, muttering frustrations into the grains.

"Training hard or hardly training?" Naruto quipped, eliciting another round of laughter from the group at Team Natsu's expense.

Erza, standing slightly apart from the others, still holding her wooden sword, felt her cheeks flush as she surveyed the precarious condition of her teammates. "I'm glad you're here, Master Naruto," she said, her tone earnest. "With your help in our training, I believe we'll be more than prepared for the upcoming Grand Magic Games."

The blonde scratched his cheek awkwardly, the bags he was holding shaking slightly as he did. "I appreciate that, Erza, but I have to go on an important S-class mission that might take a week or so. You guys will have to train without me until I return."

Disappointment flickered across the red head's face, but she quickly masked it with resolve. "I see. That can't be helped, then." She nodded, her expression steadying. "Just come back as soon as possible. It seems we have quite a lot of training to do to catch up with the others." She took in the aftermath of their brief sparring session with Yukino and the others, recognizing the gap in strength created between them during the past seven years.

Naruto lightly smiled, noting her resolve, "Don't worry, I'll try to finish the mission as soon as possible and come back, to get you guys back in shape."

Droy trudged over to their master after finally freeing Elfman from the tangled vines, his brow furrowed in thought. He glanced between the two girls, Wendy and Carla, who stood nearby, and asked, "So, Master, are you taking Wendy and Carla with you as well?"

"Yup!" The blonde grinned, and Wendy's cheeks flushed a bright pink, suddenly becoming the center of attention from her guild members. She fidgeted slightly, her shyness evident as her friends turned curious gazes toward her.

Erza's eyes sparkled with excitement, a rare glimmer of joy lighting up her usually stoic demeanor. "That's amazing, Wendy!" she exclaimed, stepping forward along with the others as they gave word of encouragement to the shy sky dragon slayer.

Natsu, still dripping from his earlier mishap, ambled up with a playful grumble. "I can't believe you get to go on an official S-class mission before me!" He shot Wendy a grin, his jealousy melting into a supportive camaraderie. "But hey, good luck! Show them what a Dragon Slayer can do!"

Wendy's face turned even redder, and she nodded enthusiastically, her shyness momentarily overshadowed by the pride swelling in her chest. "Thanks, Natsu!" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Happy, perched on Lucy's shoulder, added his own cheer, "You'll do great, Wendy!"

"Yeah!" Lucy chimed in, her bright smile infectious. The atmosphere around them buzzed with positivity, and even the tired members of Team Natsu were perked up by the news.

Erza stepped closer to Naruto, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. "S-class missions can be very dangerous, Master," she said, her voice firm. "So, please make sure to take good care of Wendy and Carla." With that, she bowed deeply, a gesture of both respect and concern.

Naruto sweatdropped, taken aback by her earnestness. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Don't worry, Erza! I'll make sure nothing happens to both of them," he assured her, trying to convey a sense of calmness. "Wendy is a tough fighter, and Carla won't let her out of her sight. We'll be fine."

Just then, Happy's nose twitched, and he fluttered down from Lucy's shoulder to hover near Naruto. "Hey, Master! What's in those bags?" The little blue cat's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and the rest of Team Natsu leaned in, intrigued.

Naruto's eyes widened in realization, suddenly remembering. "Oh! I completely forgot about those!" He chuckled as he placed the bags on the sand with a thud. "Wendy and I decided to stop by a restaurant and bring you all some delicious lunch since you guys were training so hard."

At the mention of food, their eyes widened, and mouths watered in delight as they saw numerous containers filled with delicious-looking dishes. The aroma wafted through the air, causing all their tiredness from the previous spar to dissipate in an instant. Gray and Elfman quickly circled around Wendy and Naruto, along with the others, their exhaustion forgotten as they eagerly peered at the bounty before them.

Droy let out a deep sigh of relief. "Man, I'm so glad you brought us lunch, Naruto," he said, rubbing his stomach. "I was starving! I had to skip breakfast because Natsu and Gray practically dragged me out of bed early this morning."

As if on cue, Droy's stomach let out a loud growl, drawing chuckles from the group.

Max patted Droy's shoulder sympathetically, nodding in understanding. "Same here, buddy. Skipped mine too." He gave Droy a reassuring smile. "Guess we're both lucky Naruto and Wendy came to the rescue!"

Happy's nose twitched even more, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he hovered closer to Naruto's bags. "Wait! Is there any fish?" he asked, his eyes growing wide with hope.

Wendy giggled softly at his eager expression. "Of course, Happy! Here you go," she said, handing him a generous portion of fish wrapped neatly in a container. The little blue Exceed's eyes sparkled with joy as he eagerly grabbed the dish, causing everyone around to smile at his childlike excitement.

Carla, standing beside Wemdy, huffed softly at Happy's over-the-top glee. "Honestly, how immature," she muttered, crossing her arms with a disapproving shake of her head. But despite her words, there was a fondness in her tone that went unnoticed by everyone, especially Happy, who was far too engrossed with his fish to hear her.

Meanwhile, Natsu, already salivating at the sight of the food, inched his face closer, his mouth nearly dripping onto the containers. "Mmm, smells amazing!" he drooled, his nose almost touching the food.

"Ugh, Natsu!" Lucy yelped, grabbing his hair and yanking his head back before he could ruin the meal. "Don't drool on the food!"

"Ow, ow, ow! I was just smelling it!" The starving Dragon Slayer complained, rubbing his scalp as he stepped back, but the sight of the feast still had him grinning in anticipation.

Yukino, glancing at a particular sponge cake nestled among the containers, asked with delight, "Are these from…?"

Naruto nodded, giving the celestial mage a knowing grin. "Yup, they are indeed from Raftel Restaurant." He then picked the sponge cake, "And… this one is just for you, Yukino-chan!" He winked at her, handing the cake to her, causing her eyes to sparkle with excitement.

"Thank you, Master!" she beamed, her earlier worries melting away as she cradled the treat.

Jet, eyeing the various dishes with a grin, commented, "Those four are quite weird, but they do know how to cook some delicious food."

This elicited a chuckle from Max and Droy as they recalled the oddities of Ruffy and his friends. "Yeah, weird but amazing!" Max added, rubbing his stomach in anticipation.

As everyone crowded around, Naruto couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. "All right, everyone, dig in!

The cheers from the group rang out in unison, "Thank you, Master! Thank you, Wendy!" as they grabbed their plates and eagerly prepared to dig in. Naruto, grinning ear to ear, unfurled a large beach blanket on the sand so everyone could sit comfortably.

Gray, already halfway through a plate of grilled meat, turned to the blonde with his mouth still full, mumbling through a mess of food, "Did I ever tell you… that you're a good master?" He gave a thumbs up, his face filled with genuine appreciation, even as bits of food fell from his mouth.

Natsu, similarly stuffed with food, was gnawing on a huge chicken leg like it was his last meal. "You may be a jerk," he managed to say between gulps, nodding enthusiastically at Gray's words, "but I approve of you being our guild master!" His voice was muffled, and everyone could barely understand him.

Naruto's eye twitched in disbelief as he deadpanned, "You don't have to butter me up, ya know. Just because I bought you guys lunch." He crossed his arms, sighing dramatically. "Just shut up and eat."

The boys, unfazed by Naruto's sarcasm, continued inhaling their food as if they hadn't eaten in days. Natsu, Gray, Jet, Droy, Max, and Elfman showed zero restraint, their plates constantly being refilled. Elfman, pounding his chest after swallowing a mouthful, declared, "This is such manly food!"

Jet and Droy nodded in agreement, nearly elbowing each other as they reached for more. Max was too busy trying to shove more fried rice into his mouth to say anything coherent, but his contented groans said enough. Their lack of table manners was something to behold, with bits of food flying here and there as they enthusiastically devoured the feast.

On the other side, the girls were much more refined in their approach. Erza delicately sliced into her plate of beef, humming in delight. "Mmm, this is exquisite!" she commented, her eyes closed as she savored each bite. Lucy nodded in agreement, taking careful sips of a refreshing drink while Yukino cradled her sponge cake like it was a treasure, her face glowing with joy.

Wendy, seated between Carla and Yukino, giggled at the sight of the boys' chaotic eating. "They look like they haven't eaten in weeks," she murmured, sipping from her bowl of soup gracefully. Carla, ever the prim and proper Exceed, scoffed in mild disgust at the boys' behavior.

"Disgraceful," Carla muttered, though her gaze softened when she looked at her friend, who was smiling proudly at the happy scene around her.

Happy, with a fish dangling from his mouth, hovered over to Natsu. "I think I'm in heaven, Natsu!" he meowed, eyes sparkling as he swallowed the rest of his fish in one gulp.

"Same here, buddy," Natsu mumbled, still chewing. "We should have more training sessions if this is what we get after!" His grin was wide and carefree, completely in his element.

Naruto, watching the scene unfold with a smirk, sighed inwardly. At least they're easy to please. Then, with a chuckle, he grabbed his own plate and joined the fun, shaking his head as Gray attempted to shove yet another piece of food into his already stuffed mouth. "You guys really are hopeless."

As the group enjoyed their well-deserved lunch, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly interrupted when Lucy let out a shocked yell. "Wahhh!" she screamed as something popped up right beneath her, lifting her off the ground and causing her to fall flat on her back. Her plate of salad went flying, landing unceremoniously in the sand.

All eyes turned to Lucy, pausing mid-bite, only to be greeted by the sight of Virgo's blank-faced head popping out from underneath the sand where Lucy had been sitting just moments ago.

"Princess," Virgo greeted with her usual stoic expression.

Lucy groaned as she sat up, rubbing her back. "Virgo! You scared me half to death!" she snapped, glaring at her spirit.

Virgo blinked slowly before replying, "Is it time for punishment then, Princess?"

Lucy's face turned bright red as she scrambled to her feet, waving her hands frantically. "No, no! No punishment! What is with you and punishment?!" she exclaimed, flustered.

The rest of the group burst into laughter, even Naruto couldn't hold back a chuckle as he watched the scene unfold. Though none of them commented, it was clear they were all enjoying Lucy's misfortune.

The celestial mage huffed in defeat, folding her arms but a small smile crept onto her face. "It's good to see you again, Virgo. It's been a while, huh?"

Virgo's face remained impassive as usual, but everyone noticed a tiny hint of sadness flicker in her eyes. "Likewise, Princess," she said softly.

Lucy felt a small pang of guilt seeing that expression, but before she could say anything, Virgo's next words shattered the sentiment. "Shall I punish you now?"

Lucy sighed in exasperation while her friends burst out laughing again. "Why are you like this?" she muttered under her breath.

Naruto, trying to save the girl from her predicament, chuckled and stepped in. "Hey, Virgo, long time no see! How's the old king doing these days?"

Virgo turned her head slightly toward Naruto, her body still half-buried in the sand, "Master Naruto, it's good to see you as well," she gave a polite bow despite her odd predicament, "The Celestial King is doing well.".

Lucy's jaw nearly hit the ground, her wide eyes darting between Naruto and Virgo. "Wait, wait, wait… Master Naruto?! How do you know Virgo and the Celestial King?!"

The same question echoed through the group—except for Yukino, who was barely holding back a smile, clearly in on the secret.

Naruto flashed a mischievous grin, crossing his arms as he playfully dodged the question. "Ah, that's a tale for another time."

"Whaaat?!" Lucy and the others groaned in unison, their frustration at his evasiveness apparent. Naruto just laughed, clearly enjoying the mystery he had created.

Wanting to shift the focus off himself, the blonde turned his attention back to the celestial spirit, his tone more serious. "But really, Virgo, what's going on? Your sudden appearance here has me curious. Is everything alright?"

Virgo hesitated, her face as unreadable as ever. After a moment, she spoke in her flat, matter-of-fact tone, "The Celestial Realm is in grave danger, Master Naruto."

The crowd gasped collectively, eyes widening in shock. Virgo continued, "The Celestial King has sent me to request Princess Lucy and her allies' assistance. If we do not act soon, the Celestial Realm may cease to exist."

The words hung heavily In the air. Team Natsu stood in stunned silence, processing the gravity of the situation. Even Yukino's earlier smile faded into a look of concern.

"We have to help!" Natsu suddenly burst out, his voice filled with determination as his eyes ignited with fiery resolve. "There's no way we're letting the Celestial Realm fall! Right, guys?!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, though some looked more uncertain than others. Erza, ever the composed knight, stepped forward, her tone firm and resolute. "Natsu's right. Our friends need us. We can't turn our backs on them."

"Virgo…" Lucy called softly, her voice tinged with worry. "Is it really that bad?"

Virgo's expression didn't change. "Yes, Princess. If you and your comrades do not act soon, the Celestial Realm will fall."

Lucy gulped nervously, the weight of the situation crashing down on her. The others exchanged uneasy glances, all of them now eager to help, yet tense with the magnitude of the task ahead.

Then, unexpectedly, the sound of chuckling cut through the somber mood. Everyone turned, utterly baffled, to see their guild master—Naruto—barely holding back laughter.

"Oi, Naruto," Max quirked an eyebrow, clearly confused by the guild master's reaction. "What's so funny? Didn't you just hear Virgo? The Celestial Realm is in serious trouble!"

The blonde, still chuckling, shook his head and held up a hand, trying to stifle his laughter. "I'm sorry, I really am." He wiped a tear from his eye, his tone light despite the situation. "I'm glad to see you all so ready to help, but…"

He paused dramatically, pointing toward Virgo, still half-buried in the sand. "She's clearly lying."

—Line Break—

( 1 hour later, Magnolia Train Station)

Naruto pushed open the sliding door of a train coach and called out, "Wendy! Carla! Over here!"

The two jumped slightly at the sudden summons but quickly made their way to him. Their eyes widened in awe as they stepped into the beautifully decorated coach, a stark contrast to the usual rustic charm of trains.

Wendy's face lit up with pure delight. "Wow! This is amazing, Master!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her heels. She looked around, her eyes sparkling with excitement, while Carla tried to maintain her usual composed demeanor, though even she couldn't help but smile at the sight.

The blonde chuckled softly as he watched them settle into their seats. "It's nice, right? I thought you both deserved a comfortable ride." He sat down across from them, leaning back and crossing his arms behind his head, feeling a sense of warmth at their enthusiasm.

As he glanced out the window, his thoughts drifted back to the earlier encounter with Virgo. He couldn't help but chuckle again, recalling how the Celestial Spirit had spun a wild tale to Lucy and the others about the dire state of the Celestial Realm. The sheer intensity of her delivery had been almost convincing—almost. The truth, however, had been quite different.

Virgo's true mission had been to organize a reunion party for the Celestial Spirits, and he had sensed something was off. So, in order to prove that, he had asked Yukino to summon Libra, to clarify the situation. When Libra had sheepishly revealed the truth, the eagerness in Team Natsu's eyes had dimmed like a candle flickering out, the weight of the misunderstanding crashing down on them.

Yet, the thrill of having a party still burned brightly within them. He smiled to himself, remembering how even after discovering the truth, Team Natsu had been ready to go anyway. "A party in the Celestial Realm sounds like fun!" The Fire Dragon Slayer had said, his trademark grin plastered on his face. "We should totally crash it!"

But then he had brought up the time discrepancy: "One hour in the Celestial Realm equals one month here." The collective gasp from the group had been comical, mortification washing over their faces as reality set in.

Despite the initial letdown, he had reassured Virgo to tell the Celestial King that after the Grand Magic Games, he would ensure that Lucy and her friends could visit for the party. Since they needed to train and prepare for the games; after all, they couldn't risk missing their chance to shine.

He snorted softly, shaking his head at the memory. 'As if the Celestial King would really be in that much trouble,' he thought amusedly. 'If anything serious had happened, that old king would've sent Virgo to me first, not them. He knows where to ask for real help.' A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. It was amusing how easily Team Natsu and the others could get swept up in their imaginations—though, he couldn't deny, that's what made them who they were.

As the train picked up speed, Naruto leaned back in his seat, feeling the gentle sway of the carriage beneath him. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks had a calming effect he hadn't expected, and for a moment, he just closed his eyes, letting it wash over him. It reminded him of simpler times, of long missions in Konoha where the journey itself was half the adventure.

Opening his eyes, he glanced over at his two companions. Wendy was still wide-eyed, clearly captivated by the plush surroundings, while Carla, ever composed, tried to hide her interest in the luxurious train car. The corners of his mouth lifted in a contented smile. Sure, he could've used the Hiraishin to teleport them straight to their destination in an instant, but that wouldn't have felt right. This wasn't just any mission—it was Wendy's first official S-class mission. He wanted her to experience everything that came with it, from the anticipation that built during long train rides to the small, meaningful moments shared along the way.

After all, it wasn't just about getting the job done. It was about the journey, the excitement that slowly built up, and the friendships that deepened over the course of it. The blonde chuckled softly to himself, nostalgia bubbling up as he thought back to his younger days. Sometimes, the most memorable part of a mission wasn't the destination or the action, but the quiet moments in between.

Wendy must have sensed his gaze because she turned to him with a beaming smile. "Master, thank you again for bringing us on this mission. I'm so excited! I promise I'll do my best!" Her sincerity and eagerness were infectious, and he felt his own excitement rising in response.

"Don't sweat it, Wendy," he replied, flashing her his signature grin. "We've got this. Whatever happens, we'll handle it together."

He then stretched his arms behind his head and leaned back casually before an idea crossed his mind. He glanced at the still awed Sky dragon Slayer, and with a small chuckle, said, "Hey, Wendy. Looks like we've got about four hours until we reach our destination. So, how about we use that time to get to know each other a bit better?"

Wendy blinked, surprised. "Get to know each other better?"

"Yeah," Naruto nodded. "I mean, I've seen you and Carla around the guild, but we've never really had a chance to just sit down and talk, you know? It's important to know your teammates, especially before a big mission. Besides," he added with a wink, "traveling's way more fun when you've got good company and some stories to share."

Carla, ever protective, raised an eyebrow but remained silent, clearly intrigued despite her usual reservations. Wendy, on the other hand, lit up at the suggestion.

"That sounds like fun! I've always wanted to know more about you, and your magic, Master. The guild members always tell these incredible stories, but I want to hear them from you!" The little girl's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Heh, well, most of those stories are pretty wild. You might not believe half of 'em!"

"I'm sure we will!" Wendy laughed, her face bright with anticipation. "You've done so many amazing things!"

The blonde chuckled, holding up a hand. "Alright, alright. I've got plenty of stories, but before I start rambling on about myself, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself, Wendy? Like, you know, about your parents and your home?"

Wendy's smile faltered for a moment, her gaze drifting out the window as the countryside blurred past. There was a fleeting hesitation before she spoke, her voice soft but clear. "Well, I don't have parents, at least not in the way most people do. But…I was raised by a dragon."

Naruto's eyes widened slightly, though he wasn't entirely surprised. Dragons and Dragon Slayers—he'd learned a bit about that already from Yajima and the guild members. Still, hearing it directly from Wendy had an unexpected weight. His expression softened as he leaned forward, giving her his full attention. "A dragon, huh? What was that like?"

Wendy's face brightened at the memory. "Her name was Grandine, the Sky Dragon. She was so kind and gentle. She taught me everything I know—how to use my magic, how to heal. I used to fly with her, soaring through the clouds. It felt like I was part of the wind itself." Her voice trailed off, filled with both warmth and sadness. "But…one day, she disappeared, just like all the other dragons."

Naruto's brow furrowed, and he found himself leaning forward a little more. He could sense the pain hidden beneath Wendy's words—the same pain that comes when someone you love goes away. It was a wound that hadn't fully healed, even after years. "I'm sorry, Wendy. That must've been hard."

The girl nodded, her small hands gripping the hem of her skirt. "It was. For a long time, I thought I was all alone. But then I met Carla, and she's been with me ever since." She glanced at her companion, who gave a dignified nod, though her eyes softened as she looked at Wendy.

"You're never alone as long as you have friends," Naruto said, his tone light but sincere. "That's something I've learned the hard way. Sometimes, we lose people—people we care about more than anything—but we have to keep going. And the friends we make along the way? They become like family."

Wendy looked up at him, her eyes wide with understanding. "You've lost people too, haven't you, Master?"

Naruto paused, the memories of Jiraiya, Neji, and so many others flickering through his mind. He let out a quiet sigh before flashing her a gentle smile. "Yeah, I have. But the way I see it, those we've lost never really leave us. They live on in the things they've taught us, in the memories we carry. Kinda like your Grandine."

The Sky Dragon Slayer nodded, her spirits lifted by her master's words. "You're right. I still feel her presence sometimes, like she's watching over me. And now, I have the guild. I have all of you."

The blonde grinned, leaning back again. "Exactly. Fairy Tail's one big crazy family. And now that you're with us, you'll never have to worry about being alone again."

Wendy's smile returned, brighter this time, and even Carla seemed to relax slightly. The tension that had lingered in the air slowly dissipated, replaced by a warm, comfortable silence.

After a moment, Naruto stretched again, looking around the luxurious train car. "Well, since we're getting all personal, it's only fair you ask me anything you want, Wendy. Go ahead, I won't hold back!"

Wendy's eyes darted to her lap, a hint of nervousness creeping into her posture. She fidgeted for a moment before glancing up at Naruto, her face flushed with curiosity. "Well, um… Master," she began tentatively, "I know I've said this before, but I was wondering—could you tell me more about your magic? Everyone in the guild keeps saying you know so many different kinds, and I… I've never seen anyone use more than one type of magic before. It's amazing."

Even Carla, seated beside her, perked up with interest, her ears twitching as her piercing gaze shifted toward the blonde. She gave a small, curious hum, as if echoing her friend's question without words.

Naruto quirked an eyebrow, a teasing glint dancing in his eyes. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms in mock offense. "Oh, I see how it is. You're only interested in my magic, huh? Not even curious about me or my amazing stories?" His lips curled into a playful pout.

Wendy shook her head quickly, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink. "N-No! It's not like that! I do want to hear your stories! I mean, you've done so many incredible things, but—" She faltered, realizing how flustered she sounded, before sheepishly looking up at him. "I guess… I just want to understand more about the magic that makes you so strong."

Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at her earnestness, the pout slipping away as he softened. "Alright, alright. I'm just messing with you, ya know," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "But to be honest, there's a lot to cover when it comes to my magic. It's a bit… different than what you're used to here."

He paused, considering where to start, his eyes drifting momentarily to the window as the scenery blurred by.

He then leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as though he was about to share a grand secret. "My form of magic," he began with a grin "is called chakra magic. It's not something you'd find in any books or magic archives. You could even call it a lost magic since—" he paused, letting the anticipation build, "—I'm the only one in the whole world who knows how to use it."

Wendy's eyes widened in surprise, and Carla's curious hum deepened. The young Dragon Slayer blinked up at him, awe and confusion mingling on her face. "A lost magic?" Wendy echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's… incredible."

Naruto smirked, clearly enjoying the reaction, though inside he knew he was only telling a half-truth, just like he had done with the Magic Council. "Yup," he said cheekily, leaning back and crossing his arms again. "It's a pretty rare form of magic. My godfather was the one who taught it to me, but as far as I know, no one else can use it."

Wendy's mouth hung open in awe. "That's amazing," she whispered.

The blonde continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone as he explained further. "Chakra magic allows me to use almost all elemental magics—fire, wind, lightning, earth, water—you name it. But it also grants me access to some other… unique spells. Like the teleportation magic you've probably seen me use."

The sky dragon slayer nodded eagerly. She had seen Naruto vanish and reappear in the blink of an eye multiple times, and it never ceased to amaze her.

"But there's more," He added, holding up his hand. Slowly, a swirling blue sphere of concentrated energy formed in his palm, the familiar hum of power filling the air around them. "This is one of my special techniques. It's called the Rasengan."

Wendy's eyes went wide as she recognized the spell. "That's…! That's the same technique you used to defeat Gildarts!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

Naruto chuckled softly, holding the Rasengan aloft for a few moments before dispersing it with a flick of his wrist. "Yeah, it's one of my favorites," he admitted. "Took a long time to perfect, but it's pretty handy in a fight."

Wendy stared at him in awe, her earlier nervousness forgotten. "You're… so strong, Master. It's no wonder everyone in the guild looks up to you." Her voice was filled with genuine admiration, her respect for Naruto growing even more.

Carla, who had remained silent up until now, finally spoke, her voice as sharp as ever. "Chakra magic, you say? Lost magic or not, I find it hard to believe that something this powerful exists, and you're the only one who can use it."

The blonde shrugged nonchalantly, still wearing his playful grin. "Hey, sometimes that's just how it is, ya know."

Naruto watched Wendy's face shift from awe to a slight, shy smile. She fidgeted a little, clasping her hands together before glancing up at him. "I… um…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've actually seen you use wind magic before… during the bell test." Wendy paused, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "You—uh—you used it to cut through my spell and Juvia's water magic at the same time." She nervously stammered, taking a quick breath as if mustering the courage to ask her question. "Do you think… I mean, could you maybe… teach me? Or at least, give me some tips on wind magic? I—I want to get stronger."

Naruto's grin broadened, a warm, encouraging smile spreading across his face. "Of course!" he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "That's what being a guild master is all about, ya know—helping my comrades grow stronger." He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering again, but this time it was filled with genuine warmth instead of teasing. "While my wind magic might be a little different from yours, I think the basic concept is pretty similar. We'll work on it together, and I'll show you all kinds of ways to improve."

Wendy's eyes lit up with excitement, the nervousness ebbing away as her guild master's words reassured her. "Really? That would be amazing, Master Naruto!" Her voice carried the kind of eagerness and sincerity only someone as pure-hearted as she could express.

The blonde nodded firmly, his gaze softening. "Once we're back at the guild, we'll get started. I'll show you all kinds of techniques. Wind magic is one of my specialties, and with your talent, I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time."

Wendy smiled shyly, her cheeks still tinged with a light blush. "Thank you. I just… I want to be as strong as the others. Everyone in the guild has been through so much, and I feel like I'm still catching up."

Naruto shook his head, his expression serious yet gentle. "Don't sell yourself short, Wendy. You're already strong, and you've got a heart that never quits. That's what really matters. And besides," he added with a playful wink, "you're way ahead of where I was when I was your age. So don't worry about catching up. You've got your own path to walk, and I'll help you along the way."

Wendy blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in Naruto's words. She felt her heart swell with gratitude, and for the first time in a while, a sense of calm washed over her. She wasn't alone in this—her guild master was offering to guide her.

—Line Break—

(Eldwood Town)

Four hours later, the three fairy tail mages stepped off the train as the blonde stretched out his muscles and rubbed his eyes. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows on the station platform, signaling the end of the day. Naruto took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the fresh evening air, before glancing at his two companions, both looking groggy and bleary-eyed from the train journey.

Wendy yawned softly, rubbing her eyes, her fatigue evident, though her usual cheerful spirit remained. Carla, nestled in her arms, seemed just as tired, her small body curled up, eyes half-lidded but still sharp. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. The peaceful moment on the train had been a welcome change of pace. For the last hour, they had been sharing stories—Wendy had hung onto his every word as he recounted some of his earlier missions from his days in Konoha, though he'd been careful to omit certain ninja details that didn't quite fit the world of Fiore.

Wendy had shared stories in return, talking about her time with Cait Shelter, her experiences with Mystogan, and most adorably, how she had first met Carla. Naruto still found it hard to believe that Carla had hatched from an egg, but he shrugged mentally—this world had its fair share of oddities. Between recounting their stories, the gentle motion of the train, and the late hour, Wendy and Carla had both eventually nodded off. Naruto had allowed himself to follow suit, catching a brief nap before their stop.

As they disembarked, Naruto glanced down at Wendy, who smiled up at him despite her tiredness. "So, feeling ready for your first official S-class mission?" he teased, though his tone remained light and easy.

The girl stifled another yawn, her petite hand covering her mouth as she glanced up at Naruto with a determined smile. Despite the fatigue etched in her features, there was a spark of excitement in her eyes. She nodded, her soft voice filled with resolve, "I'm ready, Master! I promise I'll do my best!"

Carla, still nestled comfortably in Wendy's arms, cracked one eye open, her gaze sharp and inquisitive as always. "What exactly is our mission, Master?" she asked, her voice laced with caution. "Is it dangerous? I hope you're not dragging Wendy into something reckless."

Naruto chuckled softly, looking down at the Exceed with a playful glint in his eye. He shook his head, waving off Carla's concern as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Don't worry, Carla. It's just a reconnaissance mission," he said casually, his smile widening into a reassuring grin. "We're not expecting anything too crazy. But..." his tone grew slightly more serious, though still gentle, "if anything dangerous does happen, I'll teleport you two away in an instant. I promise."

Wendy looked relieved but determined, while Carla, though still skeptical, gave a small nod of acknowledgment. The blonde's confidence seemed to ease her worries—though she'd never admit it out loud, she trusted him.

Naruto gave the two a warm smile before turning his attention back to the path leading out of the station. The town they had arrived in wasn't particularly large, a modest place nestled against the foothills of a nearby mountain range. The orange glow of the setting sun bathed the streets in a soft light, casting long shadows over the cobblestone roads. It was quiet—almost too quiet for a place that should be bustling with activity.

Alright," Naruto said, breaking the silence, "First things first—we should make our way to the town's inn. We'll meet my informants there, and from that point, we'll decide how to move forward with the mission."

His two companion's nodded, trusting Naruto's leadership. Though Wendy was still fighting back a yawn, she straightened up and walked beside him with renewed energy. Carla kept her sharp gaze focused on their surroundings, ever-watchful despite her smaller size and apparent fatigue.

The trio began walking down the cobblestone path, the soft clinking of their footsteps echoing in the quiet evening air. The town, with its quaint, modest buildings and winding roads, seemed almost deserted. Only a few townsfolk moved about, casting curious glances at the unfamiliar visitors. An elderly couple carrying baskets of goods paused to whisper to each other as they noticed the trio pass by, but quickly continued on their way, disappearing around the corner.

Naruto kept his hands in his pockets, glancing around subtly, his senses alert to the unusually quiet atmosphere. He could feel the eyes of the townspeople on them, but it wasn't just curiosity that hung in the air—it was tension. The calmness felt unnatural, and Naruto's instincts told him something wasn't quite right.

Wendy, too, seemed to sense it, her earlier cheer dimming as she glanced around with a slight frown. "It's really quiet here," she murmured softly, more to herself than anyone else.

Carla, ever perceptive, picked up on Wendy's unease. "Indeed, it is," she replied, her voice low and cautious. "I don't like it. It's as if something is keeping everyone indoors."

Naruto remained calm, though inwardly, he shared their concerns. "Let's not jump to conclusions just yet," he said, his voice soothing but firm. "We'll find out more once we meet my informants. They should have a better idea of what's going on."

As they continued their walk, they noticed a few more townspeople, mostly merchants closing up shop for the night. Some gave curt nods of acknowledgment, while others quickly averted their gazes, hurrying along as though they didn't want to be out for long. The setting sun cast long shadows over the town, the last rays of light barely illuminating the stone walls of the buildings around them.

After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at the inn. It was a small, rustic place, with wooden beams supporting its structure and a cozy sign swinging gently in the breeze. Warm light spilled from the windows, casting a welcoming glow onto the street. The faint murmur of voices could be heard inside—perhaps the first sign of normalcy they had seen since arriving.

The blonde pushed open the door, and the trio stepped inside. The interior of the inn was humble yet inviting, with a few patrons scattered across the room, seated at wooden tables. A fireplace crackled softly at the far end of the room, and the warm scent of stew and freshly baked bread filled the air.

Naruto stepped further into the inn, the warmth from the crackling fire and the scent of hearty food easing some of the tension from the strange quietness outside. He gave a small gesture to Wendy and Carla, signaling them to follow closely as he made his way toward the reception desk. The innkeeper, an elderly man with a bushy white beard and tired eyes, stood behind the counter. His hands were busy wiping down the counter, though his gaze occasionally flickered toward the few patrons scattered across the room.

Naruto approached with a calm, friendly demeanor. He offered the man a kind smile, his voice polite but firm. "Good evening. I'm here to meet some friends. Could you tell me which room they're in?"

The innkeeper paused, his eyes narrowing with a hint of wariness as he looked Naruto over, sizing him up. There was a brief moment of hesitation, and it was clear the man wasn't sure if the blonde's inquiry was entirely welcome. However, Naruto, sensing the man's uncertainty, subtly tilted his sleeve up just enough to reveal the glint of his Fairy Tail emblem. The man's expression shifted instantly, his eyes widening in recognition, and for the first time, a flicker of hope danced in his gaze.

"So you're Naruto-dono?" the innkeeper muttered, almost in disbelief but with a clear sense of relief lacing his words. There was something about the man's tone that made Naruto's grin widen. He nodded in confirmation, the playful light in his eyes dimming slightly as he recognized the subtle urgency in the man's reaction.

"That's me," Naruto replied, keeping his tone light but assuring. "Now, about my companions?"

The innkeeper's hands fumbled slightly as he hurriedly reached for the old leather-bound ledger on the counter. He flipped through the pages with quick, practiced movements before stopping at the entry he was searching for. "Your companions are in room two," he said, glancing up with a more earnest expression now. "They've been waiting for you."

Naruto nodded in appreciation. "Thanks," he said, then glanced down at Wendy and Carla. Both of them looked relieved that things seemed to be proceeding smoothly,

"Let's go," The blonde said, his voice gentle as he led his companions toward the staircase on the far side of the room. The patrons of the inn barely paid them any attention, too engrossed in their quiet conversations or meals to notice the trio heading up to the second floor.

As they ascended the stairs, the soft creaking of the old wooden steps filled the otherwise quiet hallway. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the narrow corridor, and Naruto's sharp senses picked up the faintest murmur of voices coming from behind the door to room two.

He grinned, his keen hearing picking up the familiar voices behind the door. He couldn't help but chuckle softly when he heard the occupants shushing each other in a panic. With a swift knock and a gentle creak, the door slowly swung open, revealing a blue-haired man standing just inside.

"Yo, Jellal!" Naruto greeted, his grin widening as he saw his old acquaintance. "How you guys been holding up?"

Jellal sighed in relief, his tense expression softening a little as he saw the blonde. There was a hint of curiosity and maybe even concern in Jellal's eyes as he stepped aside, opening the door wider to let them in. "What took you so long?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with genuine curiosity.

Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah, you know how it is. Paperwork, meetings—being the guild master isn't all fun and games." He shot Jellal a teasing grin before stepping inside, with Wendy and Carla following closely behind him.

Wendy's eyes widened in shock as soon as she stepped into the room. "J-Jellal-san?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze shifted quickly behind Jellal, and her breath hitched when she noticed the two women standing quietly by the far wall—Ultear and Meredy.

Carla, on the other hand, was less surprised and more suspicious. Her sharp eyes narrowed at Jellal, and she crossed her arms in a judgmental stance. "Weren't you supposed to be in jail?" she asked coldly, her tone carrying a clear edge of mistrust. Her gaze then flickered to Ultear and Meredy, and she turned back to Naruto, her voice lowering. "Master, you do realize these people are criminals, right?"

Naruto chuckled, an easy smile playing on his lips as he anticipated the reactions of those around him. He waved a hand dismissively, his voice casual yet reassuring. "Don't worry, Wendy, Carla. They're working for me now—or, well, technically for the Magic Council," he added, casting a sidelong glance at Jellal and Ultear. "The Council decided to pardon their past as long as they're on probation. So there's no need for concern; they're on our side now."

Wendy's gaze darted between her master, Jellal, Ultear, and Meredy, uncertainty etched on her face. "So… you're really okay with them being here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with hesitation.

Naruto flashed her a warm smile, his blue eyes shimmering with sincerity. "Of course! Everyone deserves a second chance, right? Plus, we all share a common goal now. The Magic Council wouldn't have pardoned them if they didn't believe in their potential to help." He gestured for her to join him at the table, hoping to ease her apprehension.

Carla, still skeptical, leaned forward, arms crossed tightly against her chest. "But what if they turn on us? We can't just forget what they've done, Master. Just because they're working with you now doesn't mean they've changed." Her voice held a sharp edge.

Ultear met Carla's gaze, her eyes softening in understanding. "I appreciate your concerns, Carla. Trust is hard to earn, especially after everything we've been through," she said, her tone sincere. "But I promise you, we're dedicated to making amends. We know the weight of our past actions, and we've chosen to fight for a better cause."

Jellal stepped closer, nodding in agreement. "It's true. We've all changed. Our experiences have shaped us into who we are now. We hope you can see that." He tried to bridge the gap of uncertainty, his voice earnest. "It's not just about us anymore; it's about protecting what we care about and helping others."

Wendy turned her gaze back to her guild master, searching for reassurance in his expression. She found only confidence reflected in his eyes—a silent affirmation of their words. Taking a deep breath, she nodded slowly, her resolve strengthening. "Okay… if Master believes you're trustworthy, then I'll trust you too," she stated, her voice firmer now.

Naruto chuckled lightly, sensing the tension beginning to dissolve. "That's the spirit! Just remember, we're all on the same team now." He took a seat at the wooden table, gesturing for the others to join him. Wendy and Carla slid into their seats, and soon Ultear and Meredy followed suit, the atmosphere gradually shifting from wary to welcoming.

As they all settled around the table, Ultear couldn't help but smile at the sight of the young dragon slayer. "It's comforting to see you all again," she mused, her gaze warm as she looked at Wendy and Carla. "Jura-san was right; the members from Tenrou Island are indeed back. It feels like we've come full circle."

Naruto's smile widened at Ultear's words, his blue eyes bright with warmth. "Yeah, they're back," he agreed, glancing at Wendy and Carla, the two of them looking more at ease now. "And with that, things feel a little more complete around the guild."

A visible wave of relief washed over Jellal and Ultear, their once-tense postures loosening. Jellal's gaze flickered over to Wendy briefly, as if reassured by her acceptance, while Ultear offered a soft smile.

Breaking the peace, Meredy, ever the playful one, leaned in with a sly grin. "So, Jellal," she teased, nudging him slightly, "aren't you going to take this chance to go see Erza? You know she's here."

Naruto's eyes sparkled with amusement as he caught on to the implication. "Oh, ho! So you two have some sort of history, huh?" he teased, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

Jellal's face paled slightly, clearly caught off guard by the sudden turn in conversation. "I—I don't think this is the time for that," he stammered, quickly regaining his composure. "I still haven't atoned for my sins. Meeting her now… it wouldn't feel right."

Meredy, Naruto, Ultear, Wendy, and even Carla all chuckled at Jellal's flustered reaction, the tension in the room lifting considerably. Meredy, unable to resist, leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Come on, Jellal! Everyone deserves a little happiness, especially after everything. You might even surprise yourself!"

Jellal's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and he shot Meredy a glare, though it lacked any real heat. "I appreciate the encouragement, but right now, we still have an important mission to complete," he insisted, his tone serious but his expression softening at their playful banter.

Ultear, couldn't help but let a small smile slip through. "You'd better not be distracted, Jellal," she teased, though her voice was light, "We need you focused if we're going to work together."

"See?" Naruto chimed in, his grin growing wider. "Everyone's got your back, Jellal! Just don't overthink it." He leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "But speaking of missions, what exactly is happening in this town? Jura mentioned that you guys have finally located the dark guild's Obsidian Bulls guild hall and wanted me to come today?"

At the mention of the dark guild, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Wendy and Carla both went rigid, their expressions clouding with concern. The playful banter evaporated as the weight of the situation settled around them.

Jellal took a moment to compose himself, sensing the seriousness of the topic. "As you know, for the past few weeks, we have been tracking a dark guild called the Obsidian Bulls across various towns. They have been kidnapping innocent women during the night, and those women have yet to be found or returned." His voice grew somber as he continued. "After some digging, we were able to locate their guild hall, which is in the forest near this town."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, the lightheartedness of earlier evaporating. "Is this the reason the townsfolk have been looking so on edge?" he asked, his tone serious as he leaned forward, eager to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Ultear nodded slowly, her expression grave. "Well… kind of. It turns out that most of the members of that guild are actually youngsters from this town. They joined the Obsidian Bulls seeking quick money, likely believing it was just a harmless venture at first." She paused, allowing the implications to settle before continuing. "Even with the guild's close proximity to the town, they've been kidnapping victims from other towns or cities."

Wendy gasped, her face pale. "They're putting everyone at risk! What if they come here?"

"Exactly," Jellal said, his brow furrowed with concern. "That's why we need to act quickly. We can't allow this to continue."

Ultear took a deep breath, her gaze focused. "However, it's not just the these crimes we need to worry about. While most of the members are trying to make a quick buck through ransom, their guild master and some of the older members has other, far more sinister dealings."

Naruto's curiosity piqued, he leaned forward, intrigued. "Like what?"

Ultear hesitated for a moment, gauging the reactions of the group before speaking. "Unbeknownst to the members, the guild master has been selling the kidnapped women to a member of Tartarus."

Naruto's expression hardened as he absorbed the information. "Tartarus? Are you sure about that?"

Jellal nodded, his demeanor somber. "A resident of this town, who is also a member of the Obsidian Bulls, came to us. He realized the consequences of being involved with a notorious guild like Tartarus and felt compelled to speak out."

"Did he said anything more?" Naruto pressed, leaning forward, his interest sharpened by the revelation.

Jellal continued, "He mentioned that their guild master and his close associates meet up with the member of Tartarus every Saturday night to sell the kidnapped victims. It's a grim arrangement, one that suggests a far darker purpose than mere ransom."

Naruto's jaw tightened as he processed this grim reality. "And today just happens to be Saturday, huh?"

Ultear met his gaze, her expression unwavering. "Exactly. That's why we asked Jura to summon you as quickly as possible. We can't let this go on any longer. If we act now, we may be able to intercept them before the exchange takes place."

A sense of urgency Ignited within Naruto. "What's the plan? How do we get there without being detected?"

"Meredy and I have already scouted the area," Ultear replied, her voice steady. "We believe the guild hall is heavily guarded, but there are a few blind spots in their defenses. We can use those to our advantage."

Feeling the familiar thrill of impending tense mission, Naruto sigh, "Then it seems we will have to wait until nightfall," the others nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern.

Meredy tilted her head, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Will you be taking Wendy and Carla with you as well?"

Naruto glanced at the two. Wendy's hands were clenched into determined fists, her face betraying a mix of anxiety and resolve. Carla, sitting beside her, looked equally determined but with a hint of worry in her eyes. Seeing this, Naruto smirk "Well, of course. This is Wendy's first official S-Class mission, after all. Both of them will be coming with us."

Jellal interjected, his brow furrowing with concern. "But wouldn't it be too dangerous for them? We don't know how chaotic things might get."

Naruto waved off Jellal's worries with a casual flick of his wrist, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "If I sense even the slightest hint that they might be in over their heads, I'll teleport them back here in a heartbeat. I won't let anything happen to them."

Jellal though a bit unsure, relented at the blonde's words.

Naruto then glanced at the clock on the wall, its ticking echoing the urgency they all felt. "We need to prepare. Meredy, can you lead us to those blind spots you mentioned?"

Meredy nodded vigorously. "I already marked them on a map. We'll be able to sneak in undetected if we time it right."

"Good," the blonde said, a fire igniting within him. "We'll go over the plan one more time before nightfall. I want everyone to know their roles clearly."

—Line Break—

(6 hours later, Eldwood Forest)

As the night deepened, the forest surrounding the Obsidian Bulls' guild hall seemed to come alive with eerie silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the cool breeze. The group crouched behind thick trees and dense foliage, their eyes locked on the large, looming structure that stood ominously under the moonlight.

Wendy's soft voice broke through the quiet, her anxiety palpable. "Isn't it a bit too silent?" She nervously asked, glancing at no one in particular. Her wide blue eyes flickered toward the guild hall, its stone walls barely illuminated by the sparse light leaking through its windows.

Carla, crouched beside her, narrowed her eyes, her feline senses on high alert. "I don't like this," she muttered, her sharp gaze darting across the perimeter of the hall. "For a guild this size, especially one involved in such dark dealings, there should be more movement."

Naruto hummed, acknowledging both of their concerns. "You're right," he agreed, his gaze sharpening as he observed the eerily still building. "Something doesn't feel right." His brow furrowed as he scanned the area. "Jellal, you mentioned earlier that there are supposed to be about 72 members in this guild, right?"

The former Wizard Saint, kneeling nearby, nodded grimly. "Yes. That's what our informant told us. The Obsidian Bulls are known for their numbers. Even if some are away or out on missions, there should be at least a few dozen present."

The blonde's eyes narrowed as he turned his attention back to the guild hall. "Then why is it so silent?" he questioned, his voice laced with suspicion. He scanned the building again, noting the flickering lights in a few windows but hearing none of the usual noise that accompanied a guild—especially one as chaotic as a dark guild. "There should be some kind of activity. Drinking, shouting… something."

Ultear, standing to Naruto's left, bit her lip thoughtfully. "It's possible they've tightened their defenses because they're expecting something. The Obsidian Bulls might know someone is onto them."

"That, or they've set a trap," Meredy murmured, her violet eyes studying the shadows around the building. "Dark guilds don't operate quietly unless they're preparing for something big."

Jellal glanced at Naruto, his face tight with concern. "If this is a trap, we need to be cautious. Rushing in might give them the upper hand."

The blonde nodded, his face set in a hard expression. "No one moves until we're absolutely sure. I don't like walking into the unknown, but we can't afford to hesitate either." He looked back at Wendy and Carla, sensing their unease. "Stick close to me. If anything feels off, I'll get us out of here in an instant."

Wendy nodded, trying to steady her breathing, while Carla's tail flicked anxiously behind her.

Naruto then turned to Ultear, his lips parting to say something, when a sudden, chilling sensation swept over him. His senses, honed from years of deadly missions, prickled with unease. His body stiffened as a cold, metallic scent permeated the air around them—blood.

This… Naruto thought, his heart sinking as his sharp nose picked up the unmistakable scent of death mingled with the earth and trees. It wasn't overpowering yet, but it was there, lingering in the cool night breeze. He immediately glanced toward Wendy, whose innocent blue eyes remained fixed on the guild hall, still filled with a sense of anxiety but unaware of the underlying horror. He wondered briefly if her enhanced senses would pick it up, but it seemed her naivety spared her from detecting the grim reality.

She hadn't seen death like he had. She hadn't fought on battlefields littered with the bodies of comrades and enemies alike, their blood painting the ground. She hadn't smelled the metallic tang of life slipping away in the thick of war.

But he had.

Too many times.

His chest tightened at the memory of fallen friends, allies, and foes alike, their lives cut short in the blink of an eye. He clenched his fists, pushing the thoughts back as he refocused on the present. This smell… it means something's already happened here. Something bad.

His gaze shifted back to the guild hall, a stone fortress that now seemed more like a tomb. His mind raced as he scanned the building, searching for any signs of life—or death—that might explain the unsettling quiet. Even without his Sage Mode, his senses were screaming at him now. Something was horribly wrong.

Ultear noticed the change in his posture and narrowed her eyes, her own instincts alerting her to his sudden tension. "Naruto?" she asked quietly, her voice betraying a hint of concern.

He held up a hand, signaling her to wait. "I smell blood," he whispered, his tone low and filled with warning. "A lot of it."

That drew the attention of the rest of the group. Jellal's eyes sharpened, and Meredy, who had been carefully scanning the perimeter, now focused her attention on the blonde, her violet eyes narrowing in thought.

"Blood?" Wendy repeated softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I—I don't smell anything…"

Naruto shook his head, giving her a reassuring look. "It's faint," he explained, not wanting to alarm her any more than she already was. "But it's there. We need to be on high alert. Whatever happened here, it's already started."

Carla's fur bristled at the revelation, her tail swishing sharply. "We shouldn't wait too long, then. If they've already killed someone—"

"—Then it's only a matter of time before they come for us," Jellal finished grimly.

Naruto exhaled slowly, keeping his voice steady even though his gut churned with worry. "We're not walking into this blind."

"But first…" the blonde murmured, his fingers moving swiftly into an all-too-familiar hand sign. With a flicker of chakra, a shadow clone materialized beside him.

Naruto turned to the clone, his voice firm but gentle. "Take Wendy and Carla back to the inn. Keep them safe."

The clone nodded, determination etched on its features. "Yes, boss!" it replied, already striding toward the two.

Wendy's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising with urgency. "But Master, I want to help! I can—"

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her with his presence. His warm, reassuring smile held the weight of their shared experiences. "Wendy, it's too dangerous for you to be here. We don't know what lies inside the guild hall. We can't take any chances, ya know."

The girl opened her mouth to protest, but as she looked into Naruto's steadfast gaze, she felt the truth in his words. Her shoulders sagged, and she finally whispered, "Okay." Her eyes fell to the ground, defeated yet understanding the need for caution.

Carla, ever the protective guardian, sensed the tension. Her fur bristled slightly as she exchanged a knowing glance with Naruto, a silent acknowledgment of the risks they faced. She stepped closer to Wendy, her expression serious. "Wendy, it's better this way. We need to keep you safe. You shouldn't have to see anything… horrible."

Wendy's heart sank, the weight of Carla's words heavy on her chest. She wanted to be brave, to fight alongside her friends, but deep down, she understood the gravity of the situation. Also remembering that Naruto had already told her how he would teleport her and Carla back to safety if something dangerous happens. Her gaze shifted to the ground, and she felt a mix of frustration and helplessness.

Noticing her defeated expression, Naruto knelt down to her level, his grin wide and infectious. "Hey, don't worry. We still haven't even done a quarter of our S-class mission, ya know? There's still a lot for us to do together, so you don't have to be upset about it." His tone was playful, meant to lighten the moment.

Wendy's expression softened at his words, a hint of a smile breaking through her sadness. "You promise?" she asked, hope glimmering in her eyes.

"Of course!" he replied, his confidence unwavering. "We'll tackle it all, I swear. You'll be right there with us soon enough."

Ultear, who had been quietly observing the unfolding scene, stepped forward, her voice calm yet earnest. "Naruto, wait," she said, her tone steady as she assessed the situation. "Let Meredy go with them."

Meredy's eyes widened in surprise, hearing that. "Me? But I—"

Ultear interrupted her gently, a rare softness in her tone that contrasted with her usual demeanor. "You'll be our backup if anything goes wrong. Look after Wendy and Carla as well. It's important."

Meredy's expression flickered with annoyance, feeling as if she were being sidelined once again. "All right," she relented after a moment, her tone resigned yet surprisingly accepting. "I'll do that."

Ultear's relief washed over her as she saw Meredy comply. She knew the girl, whom she now considered her own little sister, deserved to be shielded from the horrors of the world. The bond between them was deepening, and she wanted to protect her. "Thank you, Meredy," she said softly, placing a hand on the younger girl's shoulder.

As they prepared to leave, Naruto turned to Wendy and Carla, a final look of encouragement in his eyes. "Stay close to Meredy, and remember, we'll be back before you know it."

With that, the clone and the trio disappeared from the area in a swirl of leaves, leaving Naruto, Ultear and Jellal in tense silence.

Jellal turned to Naruto, his brow furrowed in concentration. "What's our next move? How should we proceed?" His tone was serious, reflecting the urgency of their situation. He looked to Ultear, who mirrored his concern, both awaiting Naruto's guidance.

Naruto's expression shifted, as he took a deep breath. "We can't rush in without knowing what we're up against. We need to be strategic." With a decisive flick of his wrist, he summoned another shadow clone. "This clone will check the guild hall first. If my assumption is right, we need to be prepared for whatever awaits inside."

The two nodded, their expressions serious as they watched the clone step forward. He moved deliberately, the tension in the air observable as he approached the massive guild doors. Slowly, the clone reached out, his fingers brushing against the worn wood, and with a gentle push, the door creaked open.

As the door inched forward, a rush of stale air escaped from the hall, sending a shiver through the clone body. The clone peered through the narrow gap, his eyes widening slightly at the sight before him.

Suddenly, the clone pushed the door open fully, the sound echoing ominously through the stillness. His breath hitched, somber realization dawning on its features as it turned back to face Naruto, Ultear, and Jellal, the gravity of the scene weighing heavily upon him.

"Yo, boss…" the clone began, his voice low, almost a whisper. "It's… it's worse than we thought." Swallowing hard, he continued, "I don't know whether you guys should see it."

Hearing the clone's somber tone, the trio exchanged worried glances, a silent understanding passing between them. With a shared sense of dread, they stepped out from their vantage points and approached the guild doors. As they neared the threshold, a foreboding atmosphere wrapped around them, heavy and suffocating.

Once they were close enough, they peered inside, and horror flooded their senses. The guild hall, which was once probably a vibrant hub of uproarious activities, even if it was a dark guild, was now nothing more than a grotesque tableu of carnage. Bodies were strewn hapazardly across the floor, some still clothed in the remnants of their guild uniforms, while some looked like as if they were caught in an fiery explosion. Blood splattered the walls in dark, chilling patterns, while furnitures lay shattered and disarrayed as if caught in in the chaos of a violent storm.

The stench of death filled the air, and the sheer brutality of the scene left them momentarily frozen. Ultear's trembling hands flew to her mouth, her wide eyes darting over the scene. She fought back the bile rising in her throat, swallowing hard to keep herself from retching. Her legs felt weak, barely supporting her as she staggered a few steps backward, the horror too much to bear. Jellal, his usually calm demeanor shattered, took an unsteady step back, his face pale and drawn. His eyes were wide, flickering between disbelief and devastation, unable to reconcile the sheer brutality before him. He had seen battles, he had seen death—but this was something else. Something beyond senseless violence.

Naruto, though the sickness was welling up inside him, forced himself to remain composed. His heart pounded in his chest, but his face remained impassive. He had learned long ago how to steel himself in the face of carnage, to suppress the immediate reactions of horror, for his world had prepared him for this.

Yet, as his eyes took in the bodies and the destruction, his stomach twisted with unease. It was the same kind of scene he had witnessed countless times in his own world—battles waged for power, for revenge, for reasons too complex and too dark to understand. But there was something different here, something that disturbed him on a deeper level. The world of Earth-land had always seemed… brighter. The people here, despite their fights and struggles, held onto hope in a way that had always eluded the shinobi world for years. But now, standing in this field of death, Naruto felt that brightness flicker.

The sickness he felt wasn't just from the scene itself, but from the realization that this world, too, could be tainted by such darkness. The idea that such brutal, senseless violence could exist here was like a blow to his gut. He had hoped—foolishly, perhaps—that this world was different. That here, they fought for their bonds, their friends, their family, and though battles were fierce, the aftermath was not like this. Not this nightmare.

But here it was. Death in its rawest, ugliest form.

Naruto clenched his fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. His mind raced as he processed the carnage, fueled by anger and a desire for justice.

"What... What happened here?" Ultear whispered, her voice trembling as she surveyed the scene.

Jellal shook his head in disbelief, his gazed locked into something in the chaos. "That's...that's our informant, Ken." His word was barely above a whisper, each word heavy with anguish. He pointed to a grotesque sight—a dismembered head impaled on a wooden pole, serving as a cruel message. The image of the young man who had risked everything to help them, now reduced to a cruel warning was too much to bear.

Ultear, typically so composed and aloof, seemed to crumble. Her eyes shimmered, betraying the tears she was struggling to hold back, as she took in the young man's horrific end.

Naruto, standing between them, fought to control his rising fury. The brutality of the scene, churning something deep within him. But now was not the time to loose control. He took a measured step forward into the ruined hall, his boots sinking into the blood-soaked stones beneath him. The smell of death and burning wood hung thick in the air, and the silence felt oppressive. However, despite the situation he couldn't help but be glad that he had sent Wendy and Carla, even Meredy back to the inn, as he wasn't sure whether they would have been able to recover from seeing such a horrific scene.

Just as he began to survey the scene, his instincts screamed at him. The temperature spiked abruptly, and his finely-honed senses picked up the unmistakable trace of ill-intent. The very air seemed to crackle with danger.

"Get back!" he shouted, but his warning came a split second too late.

The floor beneath them roared to life, flames erupting from every corner of the hall. In that heartbeat of chaos, time seemed to slow for Naruto. He saw the fiery inferno burst forward, tearing through the walls and the floor.

His body reacted before his mind could catch up. In one fluid motion, he grabbed the shock amd frozen, Ultear, and Jellal. His fingers digging into their arms as he summoned his chakra. The world around them blurred as he flickered, teleporting them all to a safe distance, just as the guild hall erupted in a massive explosion. The force of the blast rocked th ground, a wave of scorching air hitting them even from their distance, illuminating the night sky in a brilliant fiery glow.

The heat from the explosion still lingered in the air, thick and oppressive. Naruto's chest rose and fell rapidly, his senses still heightened, body brimming with adrenaline. The night sky was now ablaze with the glow of the raging fire, casting dancing shadows across the trio. His sharp eyes followed the crackling flames as they consumed the once-proud Obsidian Bulls guild hall, reducing the sturdy stone pillars to ash.

For a moment, he winced inwardly, feeling the feedback from his shadow clone. It had been caught in the blast, and its memories flooded into him — the overwhelming heat, the force of the explosion, the sensation of being torn apart by fire. The blonde clenched his fists, knowing it could have easily been them in the direct path of that inferno.

Ultear let out a soft, pained cough beside him, pulling Naruto's attention away from the fiery destruction. She was bent over slightly, trying to catch her breath, eyes wide in disbelief. "What… was that?" she managed to rasp, voice tinged with confusion and a hint of fear.

Her hands trembled, and the blonde's gaze fell to them. He saw the faint but unmistakable signs of burns. The skin on her right hand was reddened, and slightly blistered where it had brushed against the flaming tendrils during their narrow escape.

"You're hurt," Naruto said with concern, stepping closer to her. His voice was steady, but his eyes were hard, scanning the area for any further signs of danger. His instincts were still screaming, but right now, his immediate focus was on Ultear and Jellal. "Let me see."

Ultear winced but tried to downplay the pain, offering a small, strained smile. "It's nothing… just caught me by surprise." Her voice faltered slightly as she flexed her hand, the burned skin pulling uncomfortably.

Jellal stood nearby, his sharp gaze fixed on the burning guild hall. His jaw was clenched, and his expression was grim, a deep frown marring his features. "That explosion," he murmured, his voice low, thoughtful. "If we hadn't moved… we'd be dead."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he glanced back at the burning structure. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, something more than just a random attack. The explosion had been too precise, too violent. It wasn't an accident.

As the blonde continue to observe the burning structure, a new and unfamiliar sensation crawled across his skin. His sharp eyes narrowed as he felt two distinct presences moving toward them from within the still-burning wreckage. The heat warped the air around the figures, and something about them felt… wrong. It wasn't just their magical energy, which was dark and pulsating like a festering wound. It was their very essence. They didn't feel human.

"Stay alert," Naruto ordered, his tone clipped, instinctively positioning himself between the advancing figures and his comrades. "Something's coming… and it's certainly not human."

Ultear stiffened beside him, wiping her brow, her hand still trembling from the burns but now focused entirely on the threat. Jellal's fists clenched, magical energy already rippling beneath his skin, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.

The crackling flames cast eerie shadows across the forest as the two figures slowly emerged from the blaze. The first was a woman, tall and unnervingly graceful. Her skin was pale, almost sickly, with strange green patterns that seemed to pulse with a twisted energy. Her most striking feature, however, was her face — or what passed for one. A strange, mask-like structure with long horns curved from her forehead, giving her a demonic appearance. She wore a skintight black and green bodysuit, her posture loose yet dangerous, as though she was reveling in the destruction around her.

The second figure was a man, but he was even more unsettling. His short, wild hair seemed to stand on end, and his sharp, feral grin stretched unnaturally wide across his face. A long, pointed tail flicked behind him, twitching like an excited predator. He wore an open vest and loose pants, exposing his chest, which was marked with strange, glowing tattoos. His eyes gleamed with a manic, sadistic light, and he exuded a heat that made the already smoldering flames burn hotter in his proximity.

Both of them wore twisted, amused grins, as if the carnage they had just unleashed was nothing more than entertainment to them.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" The woman's voice was smooth, like silk sliding over a blade. "I didn't think anyone would survive that blast. It seems your explosions are getting weak, huh, Jackal?"

The now named, Jackal scoffed at the women's taunt, his sharp grin widening as his tail flicked impatiently. "Don't you dare insult me, Kyoka," he growled, his voice dripping with menace. "Those pests were just lucky. I wasn't even trying." His eyes gleamed, an inferno of sadistic glee reflecting within them.

Kyoka, unfazed by his irritation, simply smiled in response—a slow, twisted curl of her lips that never quite reached her eyes. Her attention shifted entirely to Naruto, Jellal, and Ultear, her predatory gaze settling on the blonde. There was something in her look, something almost… hungry. She reveled in their unease, feeding off their wariness.

"When I heard that some pests were snooping around in our business, I didn't think much of it." Her voice was unnervingly calm, almost casual, as though she were discussing the weather. "But to think one of them would turn out to be a Wizard Saint?" Her smirk widened, eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. "My...my, I've got to say… I'm surprised."

Naruto's glare hardened, his cerulean eyes narrowing. He knew there was more to these two than their appearances—something far more dangerous. He ignored Kyoka's taunts, keeping his focus sharp, his voice steady and cold.

"Are you two members of Tartarus?" Naruto's tone was clipped, his words a sharp edge.

Kyoka's eyes gleamed at the question, her smile widening just a fraction as if she was amused by his straightforwardness. Jackal, on the other hand, cackled, his tail flicking excitedly behind him as though the question was some sort of joke. He took a step forward, the ground beneath him cracking and smoldering from the intense heat of his presence.

"Oh, you're a sharp one," Jackal sneered, his grin feral. "Of course, we're from Tartarus. The name's Jackal, by the way. Try to remember it while you're burning to death."

Kyoka tilted her head, her eerie calm never wavering. "And I am Kyoka," she added smoothly. "But you'll come to know our names intimately soon enough."

Jellal and Ultear tensed up, after realising that the two 'demons' before them were member of Tartarus.

But Naruto didn't move. His cold piercing gaze remained locked on the twisted pair, his voice devoid of emotions, "So...I assume that you two were the ones who killed all those people, then?" He wasn't asking; he was confirming what he already knew.

Jackal burst into laughter, his cackling loud and unhinged. "Of course, we did!" he boasted, pride swelling in his voice. "Did you see their faces? Those pathetic wretches never even stood a chance! The looks of fear, their cry for mercy, and their screams—they were music to my ears."

Naruto's eyes narrowed further as Jackal's manic laughter filled the air, his feral grin only widening as if he found some sick joy in the chaos he'd caused. While Ultear and Jellal looked absolutely disgusted and angry by Jackal's disregard for taking innocent lives.

Jellal, his voice barely above a growl, stared at the two demons in disgust. "How could you kill them so mercilessly?" His fists clenched tight as if holding back the urge to strike. "Weren't they working for you? They were under your protection!"

Jackal cackled again, stepping closer. "Protection?" He mocked, eyes gleaming with wild amusement. "Those idiots were nothing more than disposable pawns. They served their purpose, and when they outlived their usefulness… well," he chuckled darkly, his tail flicking behind him, "they became entertainment."

Kyoka's smile curled wickedly, her gaze never leaving Naruto. "It was inevitable," she purred, her tone dripping with sadistic delight. "We knew one of them had leaked information to you. Killing them was punishment for their treachery, but even without that..." She tilted her head, her gaze cold and calculating. "We had planned to dispose of them eventually. They were weak. They didn't know their place. So really," she sneered, "your informant only hastened their demise."

Ultear's gaze hardened, her magic flaring subtly around her. "You two are monsters," she said quietly, her voice steady, though her anger was barely restrained.

Kyoka smiled at that, as though Ultear's words were a compliment. "Perhaps. But it's in your nature to see us that way. Humans are so… fragile, so predictable in their morality." She glanced toward Jackal, who was practically vibrating with excitement, then back at the trio. "But morality doesn't matter here. Only power. And soon, you'll realize just how insignificant your sense of justice is."

Naruto stared at them, unblinking. The flames danced around him, casting his shadow in strange, flickering shapes on the scorched earth. "You think you can get away with this? Killing innocent people just because they're weaker than you?"

Kyoka's smile grew wider. "We already have," she whispered, her voice a sickening lull. "But it's not too late for you to join them, Wizard Saint. Or perhaps…" Her eyes gleamed, lingering on Naruto, "you'd rather suffer first?"

A deep, feral laugh escaped Jackal as his tail flicked back and forth with growing anticipation. "Let's get this started already! I wanna hear them scream!" His body began to glow with a dangerous, crackling light, the air around him heating up even more.

Naruto took a slow breath, his eyes cold as he lowered into a stance. "You won't be hearing anything once I'm done with you." His voice was steady, controlled—an ominous promise of the storm that was about to break.

Jellal and Ultear readied themselves beside him, their magic flaring in preparation. They had faced dark mages before, but there was something deeply unsettling about these two demons from Tartarus. They weren't just strong—they reveled in destruction, took pleasure in the suffering of others.

As his two teammates awaited his orders, Naruto's glare hardened, the weight of barely restrained fury simmering just beneath the surface. This was different. He had faced countless foes before in this world—dark wizards, powerful mages, but these two? They were something else entirely. They thrived on chaos and suffering, feeding off the pain of others as if it were a banquet laid out before them. Their laughter was sickening, their joy twisted.

As he prepared to strike, a thought flickered through his mind: one of them had to die to pay for the blood on their hands. The realization was heavy, a weight he had never wanted to carry. He had always believed in redemption, in saving even the worst of souls. Yet as they stood before Kyoka and Jackal, their eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure, he recognized that their cruelty was beyond salvation. They felt no remorse, no hint of regret; they were monsters relishing their role.

But in that same breath, another thought clawed its way to the forefront of his mind: they needed to capture one of them alive. Information was vital, and the twisted workings of Tartarus could not remain shrouded in darkness. He needed to know their plans, their goals, and how to stop them from wreaking further havoc.

Now, the question loomed large: who would he capture, and who would pay with their life?

—To Be Continued...

A/N: Well, i hope you guys liked the chapter. i know there wasn't much action in this chapter, so sorry for that.

I know some of you might not like how Naruto sent Wendy and Meredy away, but hope you guys agree with the reasoning.

And for the romance part and pairing, ill focused a bit on them after this arc.

Also, just a side note, the next chapter will be on hold for some week's, as i want to focuse and write atleast two or three chapters for my NatutoxOnePiece story.

Bye...do a leave a review.